Highways England has announced plans to deal with the increased traffic on the South West's key roads over the Easter weekend and coming Summer months.

The traffic organisation is set to deploy more officers in the South West and extend its duties into Cornwall for the first time.

Highways England traffic officers, who oversee major A roads and motorways, currently assist drivers in any difficulty, co-ordinate the resources of the emergency services, power to stop and direct traffic, close lanes and clear debris from the carriageways.

Highways England team manager Ian Findler, left, and traffic officer Billy Nelson, who will be among the crews patrolling the A30 in Cornwall during the Easter and summer holidays (Image: Highways England)

The patrolling of the A30 is a trial initiative to support Devon and Cornwall Police and help to address increased traffic volumes and related incidents on the A30 in Cornwall.

The increased number of officers will be based at Bodmin police station and Cornwall Council’s Castle Canyke depot during the peak holiday months to be closer to assist with incidents on the A30, and A38.

Highways England will also remove 300 miles of roadworks over the Easter period to make journeys better for drivers and minimise delays.

Christian Morgan, South West operations manager, said the organisation is doing all it can to make journeys as smooth as possible, ahead of the increased traffic levels.

Inside the Highways England traffic control centre which features a grid of M4 and M5 cameras

He said: "We know the South West experiences a large increase in traffic over the Easter period.

"This will happen from Thursday until Friday, potentially in the weekend as those who are enjoying the school holidays take the opportunity to travel at different times.

What should motorists do before traveling?

Before setting off on journeys, motorists are advised to:

• Check fuel: Make sure you have enough to get to your destination.• Check tyres: check your tyre pressure and the condition of your tyres, including the spare. Look out for cuts or wear and make sure the tyres have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm, which is the legal limit.• Check engine oil: Use your dipstick to check oil before any long journey, and top up if needed. Take your car back to the garage if you're topping up more than usual.• Check water: To ensure you have good visibility, always keep your screen wash topped up so you can clear debris or dirt off your windscreen.• Check your lights: If your indicators, hazard lights, headlights, fog lights, reverse lights or brake lights are not functioning properly, you are putting yourself at risk. In addition, light malfunctions can be a reason for your vehicle to fail its MOT.

"So we would expect an increased amount of traffic on our network right through the Bank Holiday weekend, particularly as I say, Friday and Monday as some people return from weekend journeys.

"If you do travel during those times, please check Traffic England, Highways England Twitter account and other media outlets."

Highways England are also calling on drivers to check their vehicle before setting off to avoid breakdowns, and keep the road network flowing freely.

Chief Inspector Adrian Leisk, head of roads policing for the Devon & Cornwall Police and Dorset Police alliance, said: “Devon and Cornwall Police is delighted to expand its partnership working with Highways England into Cornwall.

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"This builds on the considerable success of the operational activity on the M5, A38 and A30 in Devon, where Highways England Traffic Officers have supported police resources in dealing with road traffic collisions and other incidents which have the potential to cause disruption on our strategic road network.

"This ‘one team’ approach will undoubtedly help support communities and businesses who rely on a resilient and capable road network in Cornwall, during what will be the busiest periods of the year.”